Mary Jo Thomas Green, the late Lt. Colonel Raymond Harvey, M. Franklin Keel, the late Holmes Tuttle and Kevin Washburn were inducted in ceremonies at the Embassy Suites.

“Every Hall of Fame is special and our inductees continue to inspire us with a broad range of abilities and a lifetime of accomplishments,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

“This year, in particular, our five inductees have demonstrated servant leadership – a principle so important that it is a core value of the Chickasaw Nation and at the heart of our mission. The practice of servant leadership stems from a desire to help those around us and to put the needs of others above our own.”

“All of tonight’s inductees rose to positions of leadership and displayed their desire to serve those around them in their own ways. They are an inspiration to all of us and an example of how to live our lives with purpose and in the service of others.

Congratulations to all of our inductees and their families.”

Mary Jo Thomas Green, Ada, Oklahoma

Since 1977, Mrs. Mary Jo (Thomas) Green has helped fulfill the Chickasaw Nation mission to enhance the quality of life of the Chickasaw people in a wide-range of roles—from helping establish the first Chickasaw Senior Citizens program to serving six consecutive terms on the Chickasaw Nation Legislature.

“For Mary Jo Green, being a leader and serving the Chickasaw people came naturally. As both an employee and a legislator, Mrs. Green has served our people in a multitude of ways for nearly four decades,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

“Mary Jo Tomas Green, today we recognize you for your many years of service and leadership. And we thank you for all you have done to forward the mission of the Chickasaw Nation.”

Mrs. Green, who was accompanied by her family, thanked the Chickasaw Nation during her acceptance speech.

“I am so humbled and honor by this achievement and recognition,” she said.

Raymond Harvey

The late Raymond Harvey received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman in 1951. Lt. Colonel Harvey spent a life of selfless and heroic service in the United States Army.

As a captain in the Korean War, he led the attack on Hill 1232, where he displayed extreme bravery by eliminating multiple enemy machine gun crews, even after being wounded.

Harvey also received two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts during his time in the military. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in 1996.

“Chickasaws have a long tradition of serving with honor and distinction in the armed forces,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “Even among our remarkable Chickasaw veterans, Lt. Colonel Raymond Harvey stands out as especially noteworthy.

“Tonight, we honor the memory of Lt. Colonel Harvey, his heroism, his sacrifice and his lifetime of service.”

Judge Stuart Namm accepted the award on behalf of Lt. Col. Harvey.

Franklin Keel, Colorado Springs, Colorado

During his distinguished career, Mr. Franklin Keel has honorably represented Native Americans with integrity and distinction at the highest levels of government.

In 1971, Mr. Keel became the first Native American commissioned as a Foreign Service Officer by the U.S. Diplomatic Corps.

In 1997, Mr. Keel was appointed as Director of the Eastern Region, Bureau of Indian Affairs. He served the 28 tribes of the largest and most diverse region until his retirement in 2014.

Gov. Anoatubby said that Mr. Keel had a profound impact on Native Americans.

“For much of his career, Mr. Keel mentored young Native Americans interested in foreign affairs and spoke at universities around the nation about U.S. Indian policy.”

“Mr. Keel, for your many years serving Native American communities and for being an inspiration to the next generation of Native Americans involved in law and foreign affairs, we thank you.”

Mr. Keel said he was honored and humbled for the honor, and proud to inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame.

“Today is a day of gratitude for me. I am grateful to the Chickasaw Nation for this high honor.”

Holmes Tuttle

Holmes Tuttle became a successful businessman and influential political figure.

As a member of Reagan’s so-called “kitchen cabinet,” Mr. Tuttle was an influential voice on important policy issues well into President Reagan’s second term.

“All of tonight’s inductees are driven, and none more so than Mr. Holmes Tuttle,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

“Tonight, we recognize Mr. Tuttle for his leadership and his service as an entrepreneur, a political adviser and a philanthropist.”

Holmes Tuttle’s son, Robert Tuttle accepted the honor.

“I am delighted to be here to be here to accept this honor on behalf of my father. This is really a significant event in the Tuttle family,” Mr. Tuttle said.

Kevin Washburn, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Kevin Washburn’s prolific writings and congressional testimony have had a profoundly positive influence on public policy in both criminal law and gaming in Indian Country.

In 2012, Mr. Washburn was nominated by President Barack Obama to be the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. He served in that position until Jan. 1, 2016, when he returned to the University of New Mexico as a faculty member.

“Among the best and brightest of this generation of American Indian Law experts is Mr. Kevin Washburn, who gravitated toward law to better serve the Native American community,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

“Mr. Washburn, today we recognize you for pursuing your passion for American Indian law and rising to the highest levels of government where you advocated for the rights of Native Americans across this country.”
Mr. Washburn said he was humbled as he accepted his award.

“When I got a call from the White House asking me to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, my first call was to Gov. Anoatubby, because I really had no business being the secretary for Indian Affairs unless my own tribe supported me,” Washburn said.

Former speaker of the Oklahoma House T.W. Shannon served as master of ceremonies and the “Oklahoma Strings” quartet provided entertainment. Fourteen-year-old Chickasaw citizen Isabelle Wilkerson sang the national anthem.